Artur Beterbiev came through a brutal encounter against an incredibly brave Anthony Yarde to retain his light heavyweight titles.
The back and forth battle seemed to be swinging Yarde’s way when he was caught with thunderous shots in the 8th from Beterbiev that put the Brit on the canvas. After beating the count and willing to resume his corner threw in the towel to save him for another day.
Even in defeat, Yarde’s stock has undoubtedly risen after pushing one of the very best to the limit – two of the official scorecards had Yarde ahead at the time of the stoppage.
Here’s how some of the boxing world reacted to the early fight of the year contender.
Bob Arum
Anthony Yarde fought a valiant and intelligent fight, but Artur Beterbiev is a master and one of the great light heavyweights I’ve seen. His body work was sensational.
— Bob Arum (@BobArum) January 28, 2023
Charlie Edwards
Ref should of stopped this! Right call from Tunde. Very very gutsy performance! Yarde’s stock has gone up despite the outcome! He will become world champion! Don’t forget he hasn’t had many fights amateur and pros!
— Charlie Edwards 🦅 (@CEdwardsBoxing) January 28, 2023
Carl Frampton
Unbelievably brave performance from Yarde but that was a really good call from Tunde. Brilliant
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) January 28, 2023
Callum Johnson
Styles make fights and Me & Yarde would of been a cracker 💥
— Callum CJ Johnson (@CallumTheOne) January 28, 2023
Anthony Fowler
Great effort from Yarde, he did himself proud 👏🏻 Callum smith beats Beterbiev now imo
— Anthony Fowler 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (@afowler06) January 28, 2023
Claressa Shields
Damn YARDE!!!!!!!!!! Congrats to Beterbiev! I respect the call Tunde!!!!! Damn
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) January 28, 2023
Barry Jones
I don’t think we found out anything new about Beterbiev, but we did about Anthony Yarde. There can be no argument now, that he is most definitely World class. Fantastic fight.
— Barry Jones (@BarryJonesBox) January 28, 2023
Same Jones
One of the most brave courageous performances I’ve ever seen. Enormous heart Yarde is showing here 🩸❤️🦁
— Sam Jones (@mrsamjones88) January 28, 2023
Tony Bellew
Styles make fights and people are all gonna shoot me down here but I’m gonna say it anyway! Callum Smith knocks Beterbiev out within 6 rounds! He’s too open and too easy to hit! I’ve said he’s vulnerable and it’ll show when he fights Callum. #BeterbievSmith
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) January 28, 2023
Jake Paul
Amazing fight. Congrats Beterbiev on being the Betr man tonight.
Yarde showed so much heart👏🏼🙌🏼
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) January 28, 2023
Read our full Beterbiev vs Yarde report with video highlights on Boxing Social.